Surakshabandhan Week

A Collective Pledge for Protection & Empowerment

A remarkable 1,20,960 youths took a historic pledge: On the occasion of Rakshabandhan, I promise to protect my sister, not allow her marriage before the legal age of 18, and I myself will not marry any girl below 18 or marry myself until I turn 21.

On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, a landmark initiative was launched under the joint efforts of the Zilla Parishad and Snehalaya’s Udaan Project, marking a historic moment in the journey towards protecting children’s rights.

A Collective Resolve

Ahilyanagar district has become a beacon of hope by taking a bold step to eliminate the practice of child marriage. On this day, across:

14 Panchayat Samitis

1,323 Gram Panchayats

5,280 Schools

our ‘Udaan Child Marriage Prevention Pledge’ was administered. This mass movement saw thousands of students, teachers, parents, elected representatives, and community members come together to commit themselves to the cause.

The Historic Commitment

The district has resolved to become child marriage–free by 15 August 2027. This is not just a symbolic gesture but a clear roadmap of action that reflects the determination of local governance, institutions, and communities. It signals the start of a transformative journey where every child will have the right to education, protection, and a childhood free from exploitation.

Impact and Significance

Mobilizing Communities: With over 1.3 million (13 lakh+) people directly or indirectly engaged through schools, panchayats, and community programs, the pledge has sparked mass awareness.

Breaking the Silence: The campaign has opened dialogue in villages and families, challenging age-old practices and encouraging parents to delay marriages until the legal age.

Strengthening Institutions: Schools, gram panchayats, and panchayat samitis are now equipped and morally bound to take proactive steps against child marriage, ensuring accountability at every level.

Future Vision: By setting 2027 as the target year, Ahilyanagar has established a measurable and time-bound goal, aligning local efforts with national child protection mandates and global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).